Our Team

Staff Alyssa at Deborah S. Griffin DMD, LLC in Vernon, CT.

Alyssa

Treatment Coordinator

I currently live in South Windsor, CT with my family, our rescue dog, and a gaggle of guinea pigs. I’ve always loved working with people and I enjoy witnessing the progress of their treatment. Patients are the best part of my job, and I love seeing them interact with Brady (our comfort animal).
I have a very gentle character, which helps me put kids and parents at ease. With each patient, I seek to follow what my favorite quote says, “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”
Outside of the Office:
I like to spend time with my family, hiking, and baking.
Interesting fact:
My left elbow is held together with titanium!
Staff Tawny at Deborah S. Griffin DMD, LLC in Vernon, CT.

Tawny

Front Desk Coordinator

I currently live in Manchester, CT with my boyfriend and my two cats, Lenny and Murphy. I was an ophthalmic technician for about six years, but then I decided I needed a change. I’ve always been interested in orthodontics, and I thought exploring that area was a great way to broaden my knowledge in the medical field.
I consider myself a problem solver. Every time I talk to a patient, my goal and focus are to resolve their issues as quickly as possible. I genuinely enjoy getting to know each of our patients and helping them feel completely relaxed at the office.
Outside of the office:
I love to cook, travel, and hang out with my two cats.
Interesting Fact:
I would love to visit the Cook Islands one day.
Staff Wendy at Deborah S. Griffin DMD, LLC in Vernon, CT.

Wendy

Insurance Coordinator

I’ve lived in Connecticut for more than 40 years. I am married and have a wonderful son. He has blessed us with a beautiful and sassy granddaughter, and a recently born grandson. Life doesn’t get better than that!
I started as a dental assistant when I was in high school for my family dentist. It was such a fun environment, I knew it was where I wanted to be, and I was right! Meeting and helping people, working with a great team, and having fun along the way is always the right choice.
My goal is to make insurance claims and your visit a stress-free experience. When I’m able to guide patients through the process, and I hear a sigh of relief, I feel thrilled I was able to help someone.
Who’s your hero and why?
My father. He was a very patient man who could teach a child anything. He was always a loving husband, father, and person.
Interesting Fact:
I’m a competitive pool player. I shoot pool in two leagues with the goal to make it to Las Vegas. It hasn’t happened yet, but it will!
Staff Annette at Deborah S. Griffin DMD, LLC in Vernon, CT.

Annette

Orthodontic Assistant

I currently live in Vernon, CT, with my husband, we have two beautiful daughters, and two dogs, Mia and Molly. My daughter, Alana, is a nurse, and my other daughter, Jordyn, is in nursing school.  Alana and her husband, Mike, recently made me a grandma!
I chose orthodontics because I found the whole process utterly fascinating. I enjoy watching the progress of each patient and love seeing the results they achieve. When I’m in the office, I thrive when working with patients, their families, my coworkers, and, of course, Brady. I love it all!
I believe every day should be started with a positive attitude, after all, smiles are contagious!
Outside of the Office:
I spend a lot of hours cheering on the sidelines for Jordyn since she plays three different sports. I like to craft, play word games,  snuggle with my dogs, and spend time with my granddaughter.
Interesting Fact:
“Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw would be the theme song to my life!
Staff Liz at Deborah S. Griffin DMD, LLC in Vernon, CT.

Liz

Orthodontic Assistant

My name is Liz and I have lived in CT my whole life. I have a son and daughter who are my world. They keep me smiling always!

I chose Orthodontics when I was in braces myself. I was so excited to go to each appointment because I knew I was that much closer to straightening my smile! The best part of my job is watching the confidence in our patients transform from the time we meet to when they are finished with their treatment!

Outside the Office:
Outside the office I love spending time with my family, vacationing to the Cape, and finding new ice cream spots to try!

Interesting Fact:
When I was little, I used to have a lot of anxiety going to the dentist. My family always tells me how ironic it is that I chose this field. I try my hardest to connect with our patients who feel similarly because I know how hard it can be to relax when you’re in the chair!

Staff Jo at Deborah S. Griffin DMD, LLC in Vernon, CT.

Jo

Orthodontic Assistant

I am a born and raised New Yorker who just moved to Hartford, CT with my best friend. I have worked in the orthodontic field for 3 years but have just recently transitioned to assisting. I’ve always been a social person and working chair-side has brought me the opportunity to meet new people everyday! My favorite part of my job is providing a fun and welcoming environment for all of our patients while helping transform their smiles and boosting their confidence.
Outside of the office I love attending concerts and festivals with friends and anything that involves bringing out my creative side.
Fun Fact:
I love music and you will probably catch me singing or humming during your appointment!
Staff Monika at Deborah S. Griffin DMD, LLC in Vernon, CT.

Monika

Orthodontic Assistant

My name is Monika I’m from east Hartford Connecticut, I have a son and a daughter and my beloved dog Bella. Our household is very busy but love every moment of it.
Why did you choose dentistry?
I’ve always loved teeth and was intrigued with braces.
What is the best part of your job?
Seeing the transformation from start to finish in patients and how much confidence patients gain at the end of treatment with their beautiful smile.
What aspect of your personality adds the most value to the office?
I have a very positive attitude and try to see the light in every situation.
What do you do outside of the office? Hanging out with family, going to the beach and playing softball.
What is your favorite quote?
“Love the life you live. Live the life you love.”
Becca Staff at Deborah S. Griffin DMD, LLC in Vernon, CT.

Becca

Orthodontic Assistant

Coventry, CT is the town I call home. I live in a full house that includes my husband, our two beautiful kids Ophelia and Hendrix and 3 crazy rescue dogs Finnegan, Auggie, and Enzo. I wouldn’t trade it for the world!
I’ve always been intrigued by orthodontics, and have been in the field for well over 10 years. How amazing is it to be a part of transforming beautiful smiles, and giving patients the gift of a healthy, confident, and amazing smile they deserve!
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, the lake, hiking, paddle boarding, motocross, gardening, reading, traveling, and music. I am always up for an adventure!
Fun Fact:
If I ever hit the lotto the first thing I would do is open my own dog sanctuary/rescue!
Staff Kelsey at Deborah S. Griffin DMD, LLC in Vernon, CT.

Kelsey

Lab Technician

I currently live in Vernon, CT, with my husband and three children.
I chose orthodontics because one of the first things most people notice about another person is their smile. I wanted to be a part of a team that helps people gain confidence through a perfect smile.
I attended Porter and Chester Institute and received the honor of being named the Student Ambassador in the dental program while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. I hold certifications for CPR, Infection Control, and Radiation Health & Safety. I like to continually test my knowledge, guessing what Dr. Griffin’sLearn more about our dentist next step will be in each patient’s treatment.
Outside of the Office:
I enjoy visiting Cape Cod, spending time with family, and cake decorating.
Interesting fact:
I was a patient here before I became one of Dr. Griffin’s assistant
Brady Deborah S. Griffin DMD, LLC in Vernon, CT.

Brady

Comforting Companion

I am a mini Australian Labradoodle who enjoys cuddling, long walks, and sneaking table food from my brothers.
I have a deep love for people. At the office, I like seeing old friends and meeting new ones every day. I love caring for others and making everyone around me happy.
Outside of the office:
I enjoy naps, hanging out with my family, and hatching schemes resulting in bacon consumption.
Bucket list item:
To eat bacon every day after being at my favorite place – my mom’s office.
Interesting Fact:
Did I mention my love of bacon?